Surgical Stapling Lockout Mechanism for Reusable Loading Unit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current surgical stapling systems require multiple staplers during a single procedure when the staple supply is depleted, leading to increased costs due to the need for additional devices.

Innovation Solution

A surgical loading unit with a lockout mechanism that retains the staple pusher and anvil approximator in pre-fired positions until properly attached to the surgical handle assembly, allowing for efficient reuse and minimizing the need for additional staplers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple surgical staplers are used when staple supply is depleted, then the surgical procedure can be completed, but the cost increases due to needing additional devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of stapling operations per deviceVSAvoidcomplexity of lockout mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lockout mechanism is configured to automatically retain the staple pusher and anvil approximator in their pre-fired positions before the loading unit is attached to the handle assembly. This preliminary locking action prevents premature firing and ensures the device is ready for multiple operations without requiring additional staplers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The lockout mechanism acts as an intermediary between the staple pusher/anvil approximator and the firing mechanism. It controls when these components can move, allowing multiple stapling operations to be performed from a single loading unit while preventing unintended firing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a lockout mechanism is added to retain staple pusher and anvil approximator, then multiple stapling operations can be performed with one device, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereusability of loading unitVSAvoidcomplexity of lockout mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lockout mechanism combines the retention of both the staple pusher and anvil approximator into a single integrated system. This merging allows the loading unit to be reused for multiple stapling operations while minimizing the addition of separate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The lockout mechanism serves multiple functions: it retains the staple pusher, retains the anvil approximator, and prevents premature firing. This multi-functionality allows a single mechanism to enable reusability without requiring multiple separate locking systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If the staple pusher and anvil approximator are retained in pre-fired positions, then accidental firing is prevented, but the ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of premature firingVSAvoidease of loading unit attachment

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The lockout mechanism applies a preliminary restraining force to the staple pusher and anvil approximator before the loading unit is attached to the handle assembly. This preliminary anti-action prevents accidental or premature firing during handling and loading, while the subsequent attachment action automatically releases the lockout.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Data Source

PatentUS10499916B2Surgical stapling loading unit

Publication Date: 2019.12.10 COVIDIEN LP

AI summary

A surgical loading unit (10) for use with a surgical handle assembly (1000) includes a handle mount (12) dimensioned for mounting to the handle assembly (1000), an outer member (56) extending from the handle mount (12), a staple cartridge assembly (16) mounted to the distal end of the outer member (56), and an anvil assembly (18) couplable relative to the staple cartridge assembly (16). A staple pusher (60) is at least partially disposed within the outer member (56) and operatively coupled to the staple cartridge assembly (16). The staple pusher (60) is adapted for longitudinal movement to eject staples from the staple cartridge assembly (16). An anvil approximator (94) is at least partially disposed within the outer member (56) and is operatively coupled to the anvil assembly (18). The anvil approximator (94) is adapted for movement between first and second positions corresponding to closed and open conditions of the anvil assembly (18) relative to the staple cartridge assembly (16). A lock member (24) is mounted to the handle mount (12). The lock member (12) is adapted to move from a lock position in secured engagement with the staple pusher (60) and the anvil approximator (94) to a release position releasing the staple pusher (60) and the anvil approximator (94) upon mounting of the handle mount (12) relative to the surgical handle assembly (1000).